Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, resulting in over 850,000 deaths worldwide each year, with more than 53,000 deaths related to the disease expected to occur in the US in 2023. The irony is that colon cancer is preventable, detectable and treatable.
Years ago, doctors may not have mentioned colorectal cancer prevention until a patient’s 50th birthday. But now, both the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and American Cancer Society (ACS) advise people with an average risk for colorectal cancer to begin regular screening at age 45. If you’re wondering why, here’s what you need to know.